When demand for jets plummeted during the recession, aircraft manufacturers delayed development and production of new models. The recession also prompted many jet owners to try selling their aircraft earlier than they had planned, thus flooding the secondary market with high-quality jets, which further hurt the market for new planes.

Now, as the economy improves and the industry steadies itself, new aircraft that had stalled in manufacturers’ pipelines are finally moving forward. The forthcoming models spotlighted in the “Arrivals” section of this feature generally offer better performance, comfort, safety, and efficiency than existing planes, but it will be years before some of them enter service. Meanwhile, as shown in the “Standbys” section, a number of older aircraft could represent great deals for buyers seeking to spend less money and less time waiting.